Principal Clients + Communications Ruth Wilson spoke to Building Talks Podcast about what it takes to make a great architect – and the skills needed to kickstart a career that stands the test of time..
In the wide-ranging conversation, Ruth explores how the industry has changed over her 30+ years as an architect – a highly-regarded career that has seen her manage large, complex projects and direct multidisciplinary teams towards buildings and places that exist at the forefront of innovative design.
“These days 3D modelling tools are really prominent in a student’s life, and the level of realistic visual communication through those tools is incomparable to what we were doing,” says Ruth.
“The fundamental design process hasn’t changed, but the level of communication of the design has definitely amped up through those tools.”
Ruth reflects on the early stages of her career, and shares the attributes of world-leading architecture (spoiler alert, it largely comes down to teamwork). She goes into detail about the relationship between design and the human experience, and the extensive consultation process that made the State Library of Victoria project such a success.
Ruth also offers some practical tips for architects just starting out, from getting to grips with 3D modelling tools to pursuing meaningful work experience. And yes, teamwork.
“The dynamics of teamwork need to be learned. You need to experience a few ups and downs,” says Ruth.
“You need to work out where you sit in a team from your personality type. Every day we’re all calibrating ourselves to the team members we’re working with to make sure it’s as effective and harmonious as it can be.”
Wrapping up the podcast with a nugget of advice for current architecture students, Ruth says: “Stick with it. It’s a long course but it’s an incredibly rewarding career. You’ll never regret studying the field of architecture.”
Listen to the podcast.